Rhondda Cynon Taff& Merthyr Floating Tenancy Support Service

Dear Applicant

Support Worker

Rhondda Cynon Taff& Merthyr Floating Tenancy Support Service

Gofal is a mental health and wellbeing charity providing a range of services to support people who are experiencing or who have experienced mental ill health – something that will affect 1 in 4 of us in our lifetime. We also lobby and campaign to improve mental health policy, practice and legislation and to increase public understanding and awareness of mental health and wellbeing.

Thank you for your interest in working for Gofal and please find enclosed the following:

1)Information on Gofal and the post you have applied for

2)Role Expectations and Person Specification

3)Application Form

4)Equal Opportunity Monitoring Form

The closing date for receipt of your application is 9am Friday 5th April 2013. Please do ensure you return your application by this date and time. Gofal cannot be responsible for any applications received late and any applications that arrive after the deadline will not be considered.

Interviews will be heldTuesday 16th April 2013

Applications will be considered against the person specification and shortlisted candidates invited to interview. We therefore recommend that you read our Guidance notes (available on our website) before you complete your application.

We will contact you as soon as possible after shortlisting to inform you of the outcome.

Once again, thank you for your interest in the post and we look forward to receiving your application.

Yours sincerely

Jo Thomas

HR Officer

About Gofal

Thinking differently about mental health and wellbeing

Gofal has been providing mental health and wellbeing services to people in Wales since 1990. We have come a long way since our first services opened in Bridgend, supporting the resettlement of people from the long stay psychiatric wards of Parc and Penyfai hospitals into homes in the community. We now operate across eleven local authorities in Wales and over 2,000 people use our services every year.

Our Vision

Good mental health and wellbeing for all

Our Mission

To have a positive lasting impact in all that we do by

• Working together to provide services that we can be proud of
• Demonstrating outstanding practice in relation to staff mental health and wellbeing, learning and development
• Challenging the way we all think about, talk about and respond to mental health and wellbeing in all areas of our lives
• Using our profile, influence and voice to improve the lives of people living with or at risk of experiencing mental ill health
• Increasing the range and reach of our services through targeted and sustainable business growth
• Spending our money where it will have the maximum impact

Our Aspirations

Gofal aspires to:

• Work with integrity and dignity
• Inspire and support people to exceed their expectations
• Develop a culture that is embracing and respectful of difference
• Communicate honestly and openly
• Be an organisation that is ambitious, creative and determined
• Create environments that are collaborative, supportive and empowering
• Be respected for our knowledge and expertise

Gofal

Support Worker

Rhondda Cynon Taff & Merthyr FloatingTenancy Support Service

Location:Rhondda Cynon Taffoffice base –currently Melin Corrwg Business Parc, Upper Boat, Pontypridd

[with requirement for travel throughout Gofal areas of operation]

Salary:£15,000 per annum.

Hours:37 hours per week.

Holidays:26 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata)

Holidays increase by 1 day for each year of service up to a maximum of 30 days(pro rata)

Pension:Pension in the form of a money purchase pension scheme:

-4.5% non-contributory employer contribution

-5.5% paid if employee contributes 1%

-6.5% paid if employee contributes 2% of more

Other Benefits:Income Protection

Life Assurance

Child Care Vouchers

Employee Assistance Programme

Opportunities for flexible working

Training and personal development opportunities

The Service

The current vacancy is within our Rhondda Cynon Taff & Merthyr Floating Tenancy Support Service providing support on a wide variety of issues to people in the community and in their own homes to enable them to manage their own mental health.

The role will provide support around debt management, budgeting and claiming benefits, as well as daily living skills, accessing education, training, employment and leisure opportunities and improving physical wellbeing.

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Gofal – Organisational Chart

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ROLE EXPECTATIONS

Post:Support Worker

Accountable to:Project Co-ordinator

Location:Rhondda Cynon Taff office base

Date:March2013

Job Purpose:● To assist in or provide social, emotional and practical support to people with mental health and associated problems

● To work alongside Case Workers, ensuring support plans are properly implemented.

● To comply with and maintain all necessary administrative and report systems

Role Expectations:

Support Work

1.To provide a range of social, emotional and practical support as outlined in support plans.

2.To provide information to and work with Case Workers/line manager in reviewing progress and support plans.

3.To ensure a smooth handover of information on allocation of service user either following initial assessment or as support is drawing to a close.

4.To regularly assist in carrying out and reviewing risk assessments as and when necessary due to the changing needs of the service user.

5.To involve service users in the development, running and evaluation of the service and the support they receive

6.To support service users to access information and advice in order that they are able to make informed choices in matters that affect them.

Team Working

1. To seek advice and support from Project Co-ordinator and Case Workers as necessary in delivery of support
2. To accompany Case Workers on joint visits where need is identified in the support plan or risk assessment.

1. To liaise with other agencies with and on behalf of service users as part of planned support, including participation in joint meetings and case reviews.
2. To discuss issues of changing need or risk with the Case Worker to determine appropriate action.
3. To attend and participate in team meetings

Administrative Requirements

1. To keep accurate notes of all support provided.

2.To ensure all information is kept up to date and accurate.

2.To ensure all relevant information is shared with colleagues.

3.To ensure that IT systems are used effectively and in line with organisational procedures – e.g. – use of e-mail and database systems.

4.To provide all relevant information to head office and external organisations as required.

Organisation Expectations:

1.To carry out all duties in a manner that supports and complements Gofal Vision, Mission and Aspirations.

2.To carry out all duties in line with all Gofal’s policy and procedures and relevant legal and regulatory requirements.

3.To carry out all duties in a manner that empowers both staff and service users

4.To carry out all duties in line with Gofal’s commitment to equality of opportunity

5.To present a professional and well presented internal and external image at all times

6.To demonstrate flair, initiative and a solution focused approach to fulfilling the Job Purpose and Role expectations.

7.To ensure constructive and productive internal and external relationships are developed and maintained at all times.

Individual Expectations:

1.To have the ability and confidence to make decisions within the authority of the role.

2.To recognise, respect and value other people’s differences.

3.To bring to the attention of the Case Worker in the first instance or Project Co-ordinator and/or other managers any situation which cannot be adequately supported or managed.

4.To take active part in team meetings and individual supervision.

5.To take responsibility for own personal development within the role and the organisation.

6.To be proactive in keeping up to date with developments related to the role.

7.To be flexible in approach to work and to be prepared to provide cover at other Gofal projects within limits of current role and working hours.

Gofal

Person Specification

Post: Support Worker

Essential / Desirable / Assessed through (*)
Experience
Experience of working in the health and social care field, providing support, assistance and advice to individuals / E / App
Experience of providing support to people to enable them to maintain their tenancies and prevent crisis. / D / App/Int
Skills
Effective communication skills, both verbal and written / E / App/Int
Ability to work alone and on one’s own initiative / E / App/Int
Ability to work as part of a team / E / Int
Ability to make informed decisions / E / Int
Ability to communicate in Welsh / D / App
IT skills including basic wordprocessing and the use of databases to input information / E / App/Int
Knowledge and Understanding
Issues related to confidentiality / E / App/Int
How health and social care services can contribute to people’s lives / E / App
Ways to involve service users in the further development of the project / E / App/Int
How people may become discriminated against because of their difference and how this may manifest itself / E / App/Int
Mental health problems and how they can affect an individual’s life / E / App
Knowledge and understanding of the welfare benefits system / D / App
Attitudes
A demonstrable commitment to the Vision, Mission and Aspirations of Gofal / E / Int
A positive and non-judgemental attitude towards all people / E / App/Int
Commitment to ongoing training, development and participation in supervision / E / App
Other
Full current driving license and access to your own transport / E / App
A recognised relevant qualification (e.g. NVQ 2 in care), or willing to obtain qualification / E / App

Application for the post of: ______

Closing date for the receipt of application forms is: ______

This page will be removed from the application form before shortlisting, to enable us to shortlist candidates anonymously. Therefore please avoid using your name, elsewhere on the application.

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Surname
First Names
Address
(including postcode)
Contact Telephone Number
E-mail address

REFERENCES

At least one of your references should be a present or most recent employer, tutor, volunteer work supervisor etc. If your most recent employer is not in a similar field but you have worked with a vulnerable client group within the last 5 years then we will also require a reference from this organisation.

References will be requested after interview and Gofal reserves the right to contact any previous employer.

Name______
Address: ______
______
______Postcode______
Telephone no: ______
E-mail: ______
Relationship to yourself: ______/ Name______
Address: ______
______
______Postcode______
Telephone no: ______
E-mail: ______
Relationship to yourself: ______

Wellbeing

Gofal is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all. When shortlisting applicants, the information used is that which relates to the person specification. Gofal upholds the commitments of the Disability Symbol. Where applicants meet all essential criteria then if a disability is declared an interview will be guaranteed and that applicant will not be further assessed against desirable criteria.
The Equality Act, 2010 defines a disability as:
“A physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on a person’s ability to carry out normal day to day activities.”
With reference to the above statement do you consider yourself to have any disabilities:
YES / NO (please delete as appropriate)
If YES, please highlight any additional support or special arrangements you would require if you are shortlisted and invited to interview.

Are you subject to any restrictions which would prevent you from taking employment in the United Kingdom? (Documentary Evidence will be required) YES/NO(please delete as appropriate)

If YES please provide details:

CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS

Gofal aims to promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills and potential and as such welcomes applications for employment from a diverse range of candidates, including those with criminal records.
Due to the nature of our work with vulnerable adults, some posts at Gofal are exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and as such will request information on all convictions including those that would be deemed to be ‘spent’ under this act. Checks are made with the Criminal Records Bureau and any offer of employment is made subject to receipt of a satisfactory Disclosure.
A criminal record or conviction is not necessarily a bar to employment with Gofal and each case will be decided on the individual circumstances.
The above is the policy statement of Gofal, if you wish to see our full procedure then please do contact the office in confidence and a copy will be sent to you.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

How much notice are you required to give? ______
How did you hear of this post, please specify? ______
Are you to your knowledge, known to any Trustee or employee of Gofal? YES / NO* (please delete as appropriate)
Details: ______
I confirm that to the best of my knowledge the information given in this application is true and correct. I understand that if any false information is given it may result in the withdrawal of an offer or termination of employment should I be appointed.
Signed ______Date: ______

EDUCATION

(Including secondary, further and vocational education)

Dates / Establishment / Qualifications and Grades

OTHER TRAINING ATTENDED

Dates / Course Details – Title and length of course

EMPLOYMENT

Please provide details of your work history, both paid and unpaid, in chronological order. Please ensure that you do not leave gaps unaccounted for. Gofal reserves the right to contact any of your previous employers
DATES / PAID OR UNPAID / EMPLOYER / POSITION AND DUTIES / REASON FOR LEAVING

SUPPORTING STATEMENT

Please use this section to provide your supporting statement which should address the criteria outlined in the person specification. The information provided in this section helps us to determine who to invite for interview. Before completing it you may find it useful to read our Guidance Document for Applicants document available on the recruitment section of our website

Please attach additional sheets if required.

Please note that we do not accept CV’s in place of this section.

Supporting Statement of Applicant

DRIVING

Do you hold a current driving licence? YES/NO

Do you have your own transport, which you would agree to maintain and insure for work purposes?

YES/NO

WELSH LANGUAGE

Do you speak: Welsh as a 1st language  2nd language  do not speak Welsh 

Thank you for completing the application form, please return by post or e-mail by the stated closing date.

By post:

HR Department, Gofal, 2nd Floor, Derwen House, 2 Court Road, Bridgend, CF31 1BN

Or by e-mail to:

Gofal is striving to ensure equality in its employment policies and as part of this; we are monitoring our recruitment practices. This will help us to identify areas of under-representation in our work force and to assess areas where action is required.

Your co-operation in completing this form would be greatly appreciated. We should stress that any information you give will be strictly confidential to the personnel section.

If you do not wish to answer any question (s) this will not affect your application in any way.

Post Applied For………………………………………… Date……………………….

Where did you see this post advertised…………………………………………..………………

Thank you for your time and co-operation in completing this form.

1. SEX

Are you :-

Male

Female

Prefer not to say

1a.GENDER IDENTITY

Is your gender identity the same as the gender you were assigned at birth?

Yes

No

Prefer not to say

Do you live and work full time in a gender opposite to that assigned at birth?

Yes

No

Prefer not to say

1. AGE

My age is:-……………………….

Prefer not to say

1. RELATIONSHIP STATUS

Are you:-

Single

Married

Divorced

Widowed

Co-habiting

Civil Union

Domestic partnership

Prefer not to say

1. DISABILITIES

The Equality Act, 2010, defines a disability as:
“A physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on a person’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities”

Do you consider yourself to have disabilities?

Yes

No

Prefer not to say

Please specify:

Physical impairment

Sight loss or partially sighted

Hard of hearing

Deaf (non BSL user)

Deaf BSL user

Learning difficulties

Mental and emotional distress

A health condition e.g. HIV, multiple sclerosis, cancer

Prefer not to say

1. MENTAL HEALTH

Do you have your own lived experience of mental ill health?

Yes

No

Prefer not to say

Do you have experience of providing care/support to a friend or family member experiencing mental ill health?

Yes

No

Prefer not to say

1. SEXUAL ORIENTATION

I would describe myself as:-

Bisexual

Gay

Heterosexual

Lesbian

Prefer not to say

1. ETHNIC ORIGIN

I would describe my ethnic origin as:-

WHITE

British

English

Scottish

Welsh

Irish

Traveller

Any other white background, please write…………………………………………………..….

MIXED

White and Black Caribbean

White and Black African

White and Asian

Any other mixed background, please write in…………………………………………………..

ASIAN, ASIAN BRITISH

Indian

Pakistani

Bangladeshi

Chinese

Any other Asian background please write in……………………………………………...……

BLACK, BLACK BRITISH

Caribbean

African

Any other black background please write in………………………………..…………………..

Prefer not to say

1. RELIGION OR BELIEF

I would describe my religion or belief as:-

Buddhist

Christian

Hindu

Jewish

Muslim

Sikh

Any other religion or belief (please specify)…………………………………………

No religion

Prefer not to say

1. LANGUAGE

Welsh as a 1st language  as a 2nd language

English as a 1st language  as a 2nd language

Any other please specify (include BSL)………………………………………………………………………

 as a 1st language  as a 2nd language

Prefer not to say

Please return with your application:

By post:

HR Department, Gofal, 2nd Floor, Derwen House, 2 Court Road, Bridgend, CF31 1BN

Or by e-mail to:

This form will be immediately separated from your application form and it will not be seen by the recruitment panel.

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